It's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group to have its monthly get-together. Posts are made the first Wednesday of the month (except for this month, because of the holiday). If you'd like to go to the IWSG blog to find other members, CLICK HERE.
I've had my own share of insecurities this past month. I'm wrestling with the last book in my Dragon Stone Trilogy and have found myself making revision after revision. The confidence I had when I started this trilogy seems to be dwindling and I find that I'm making excuses for not working on the story. Am I stuck? Is this what writer's block is all about? Somehow, I need to find the enthusiasm I had when I began the series. I know the story is inside me, screaming to get out.
I usually like my posts to be upbeat and full of introspection. But today I am unzipping the layers and letting you see inside. Many times, at the beginning of the year, I've made promises to myself. But this year, the only promise I'm making is to finish this book!
I hope your new year brings exciting things for you and many new friends. May your endeavors be fruitful and full of promise. See you next month!
In thinking about this honest and heart-felt post, I had something all smart sounding to say... then had another thought, instead. An actual experience that feels related to what you are going through.
ReplyDeleteI was sick as a dog all December (as you know!) and yet really wanted to finish out the year long series of paintings I was committed to doing. It was inside me, like your story is inside you... yet I didn't "feel" the enthusiasm. The reasons may not be the same, but the effect was the same... stuckness. I waited and waited, hoping to "feel" better.
One day halfway thru December (cutting it close for me) I had the thought that I needed to do this one on "trust". Not on how I felt, up or down, enthused or feeling icky. But on trust. That I DO know how to do this. That I've learn at least enough to get it done, to DO the mechanics of it. To work. I thought of that quote by artist Chuck Close: "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get the work done."
Well a funny thing happened on the way to getting the work done: inspiration showed up! I didn't feel any better physically, but inside the little "I did it" happy dance was going on.
I just know you'll be doing your own happy dance soon. :-)
Retta: Thank you for reminding me about my own mantra, write, write, write. No matter what I'll write, I'll continue to hammer out those words until I get it right. Thanks again for your encouragement.
DeleteI think we all get stuck with what we're doing at some point, and not just with writing. Maybe a small break to do something completely different may help rest those writing bones and offer a new perspective.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find your rhythm again.
Heather: Thanks! A break sometimes helps. But keeping the daily rhythm of writing going is important too. :-)
DeleteI've been feeling this too, perhaps because I'm trying too hard to write series when I'm really geared toward standalone novels! :) Retta's comment rings true and echoes the mantra I try to adopt - Just Do It.
ReplyDeleteJust Do It is right! We go to work each day as writers and get the job done. Ouch!
DeleteKeep at it, Karen. I'm sure those ideas will fight their way to the surface.
ReplyDeleteSusan: Thanks! I've been throwing some ideas around with my muse (daughter) and can feel the ideas start to churn inside.
DeleteThere are SO many days when the inspiration just doesn't come. But I trudge to the computer anyway. I'll start typing whatever comes to mind and the BAM...inspirations jumps up into my face. You are right. Write, Write, Write. You can't plan the inspiration. It just comes to you. Good luck. Leanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com/ )
ReplyDeleteLeanne: Thanks for the encouragement! And welcome to my blog. It's a job, right?
Deleteit's those dang CP's! just teasing... I get like that often with my revisions. I find that brainstorming out my ideas with another that has read my WIP is very helpful. that way I don't start writing scenes or changes and it only making sense to me. what a waste! glad to meet you and now your newest follower *waves*
ReplyDeleteTammy: I'm glad to meet you! I'm going to take your advice and send some of the chapters to my critique partner. She is great and always helpful. Thanks!
DeleteWishing you the best of luck with the last book in your series. It sounds like an excellent goal for the year and at least you won't be overwhelmed with other things you think you must get to before 2015 starts. :) If you are looking to renew your love for the series and get your enthusiasm back- maybe take a short break (a week or two) from revising and then listen to the other books in the series in order (or read them aloud if you can't listen)before you start revising again. It might help you to fall back in to the excitement. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Writing!
~Jess
Jess: I really like your idea! I'm going to go back to the beginning and re-read the first two. SInce I don't have a deadline, I can take all the time I need.
DeleteKaren, I know you'll work through it and finish the book. Perhaps a break from it might help. Best wishes to you.
ReplyDelete